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albert.amantea

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Posts posted by albert.amantea

  2. Toughsystem

    in Dewalt

    Posted

    That's no collection...it's a space station!


    I think he's trying to build a bomb shelter! [emoji16] [emoji16] [emoji16] [emoji16] [emoji16]

    Follow me on Instagram! @amanteafinewoodworks

    • Like 2

  3. Different Power Tool Stock???

    in Power Tools

    Posted

    The only instance I am aware of is with the Lincoln easy MIG 140s. Lowe's and Home depot have different model numbers than each other and then supply stores have a different model number. The supply stores only difference is in the feed roller material iirc. The reasoning I was told was so no one has to do price matches. If some supply store is willing to quote it to you for $200 you can't walk into Lowe's with the quote and have them give it to you for that plus 10% off because they can point to the model number and tell you they don't carry it.


    Yep, that's the reason.

    We can thank Wally world for this practice. They started required a different sku number back in the late 80's early 90's so they could avoid price matching. It saved them millions of dollars.

    Now here it is 2017, and it's a fairly common practice. Most retailers won't admit it, and some manufacturers require the retailers to pay a small premium for the sku by throwing in a bundle at the retailer's cost (like free nail guns with a compressor, etc), but the savings is still offset.

    If you look at most price match guarantees, in the small print it will tell you that the model number must match.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T217A using Tapatalk

    • Like 2

  6. How to read a tape measure

    in Hand Tools

    Posted

    I'm a duodecimalist at heart and so inches and feet make more sense to me. It is way easier to divide fractions than numbers for me anyway. That and you don't even really speak in terms of feet most of the time when framing or most work. It's almost always in terms of inches.


    Yep. Of course.. Framers only think in 1/8ths if they're good, 1/4's if they're not!

  8. How to read a tape measure

    in Hand Tools

    Posted

    So true wild! 

     

    @albert.amantea I think we can agree that obviously the standards for imperial have a reason for being. My point is those reasons are outdated. They are fairly arbitrary in today's world. My work boot is a foot. That doesn't make it a good scale for measurement. My feet are different sizes than many other people's. The length of my finger from tip to first knuckle may be an inch; but if it is, that means many other people's built-in tape measures were marked wrong at the factory.

     

    As mentioned, I use both systems extensively. If you could expand on "Metric is simple to you because it doesn't require thought. That doesn't make it more accurate. In fact, it can make it less so." I'd be all ears. It's not simpler "to me". It isn't subjectively simpler; it's objectively simpler. 

     

    "Keep it simple, stupid" is a fairly common sentiment for a reason. How does simplicity take away from accuracy, bearing in mind metric has decimals? Especially when you've admitted you switch to decimal if you want perfection. 

    Imperial has decimals also. And I use them when I want precision and accuracy.

    In order to gain simplicity, something has to give. In almost every case, the tradeoff is accuracy.

    There is a huge difference between accuracy and precision. They are NOT the same thing, even though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. (a pet peeve of mine)

    Let me illustrate this for you...

    Let's say I am shooting a gun, firing 3 rounds 200 yards/meters down range at a bullseye target.

    If I completely missed the target, but all 3 rounds hit with 1 inch/cm of each other, my precision is spot on, but my accuracy is worthless.

    If all 3 rounds hit the target, but miss the bullseye and spread out by 6 inches /cm, my accuracy is much better, but my precision is worthless.

    All 3 hitting the bullseye on the target within a 1 inch/cm spread would be both accurate and precise.

    In other words, accuracy is accomplishing the goal intended...

    Precision is doing something that is repeatable and reproducible.

    Now, back to the discussion...

    Your statement of imperial standards being outdated I think is a generalization. As long as you and I are human and physical beings, I don't think it's outdated.

    All measurements either taken or given are relative and dynamic anyway. The standard of measurement is only a reference. The part either fits or it doesn't, and I actually try to measure with rulers or tapes as little as possible.

    I find it quicker, more precise, and more accurate, to use the physical piece to cut to fit instead of trying to hit a mark on a tape.

    Anyone who does woodworking or a construction related industry for a living probably does as well.

    Science based industry, machinists, engineering, etc., however, rely on measurements for their precision. They mostly will work in decimal notation, whether imperial or metric based, due to the precision required for their products to function and live long, happy lives.

    In our industry, that level of precision and accuracy just isn't required. Wood is a constantly changing material. It moves in 3 dimensions, and is quite forgiving of inaccuracies in measurements (to a point).

    If a table is 6 feet long or 2 meters long doesn't make a difference to those who enjoy sitting at and eating on it.

    In fact, you could have a 6ft long table, with a 1 meter leaf in the center, and it would still work. (of course, it would matter if one side of the leaf had dowels at 3 cm and the table had them at 3 inches, but I digress.)

    You also stated that the standard doesn't make it a good scale for measurement, but I submit that it does.

    Everyone has a finger, knuckle, elbow, etc, and it only takes a few seconds to determine the comparison for the standards chosen. Either could be used.

    Whether or not it is subjective or objective, it is all most certainly relative.

    • Like 2

  9. How to read a tape measure

    in Hand Tools

    Posted

    Albert, I generally agree with you, but I have to differ about the origin of the foot measurement.  Almost nobody's foot is actually a foot long unless they play in the NBA.  I wear a size 12 shoe, and my SHOES are a foot long, which is handy for pacing off rough distances, but my feet are obviously not as long as my shoes.  

     

    Neither system is more accurate.  Any quantity can be expressed with any desired degree of precision in either system.  The debate is really about which is easier and more convenient, and each has its benefits and drawbacks in that regard. I think the human measurement argument weighs strongly in favor of the Imperial system, while the math argument leans in favor of metric.  So I'm tired of hearing from metric advocates about how stupid and inefficient Imperial measurements are, but I acknowledge it would also be wrong to take the opposite position.


    Well, thank you! I do agree that the foot measurement is likely way off, but that result was from Wikipedia and Google. While not perfect, they are generally correct, which is why I included the Google reference in my post.

    I also agree that it truly doesn't matter which system is used as long as the accuracy of the measurement is within the needed tolerance of the design. As stated, I use both on a daily basis and even mix the two within the same project quite often.

    My issue with the previous post was that imperial was an arbitrary system, which is quite simply not true. It goes back to a time before metric, before even rulers and tape measures were common place. The inch measure was simply the length of the index finger from the tip to the first knuckle. If you Christian, you may remember the term "cubit" from the story of Noah's Ark. This measurement was likely the distance from the elbow to the tip of the pinky finger.

    My belief is that the foot measurement was probably the distance from the elbow to the wrist, but I have no proof or reliable science to back that up. It just makes since to me.

    The "yard" measurement is said to be from tip of the nose to the outstretched middle finger, but I believe it is the length of an average human walking stride.

    The historical aspect of this debate is very interesting to me, but it really doesn't matter which one is used.

  10. Toughsystem

    in Dewalt

    Posted

    The Totes are nice also .......I am a huge fan of the Toughsystem. I bought 1 and then this happened 6db60e1ac3b65cd91473a13e4d3c9f06.jpg

    [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

    Tough Tool Reviews on Instragram

    Holy shit!

    That's awesome! If you need to pare that down, I could use a few! [emoji12] [emoji1] [emoji2]

    • Like 2

  12. How to read a tape measure

    in Hand Tools

    Posted

    Except the metric system scales linearly instead of having arbitrary fractions. 12" in a foot. Whatever fraction you pull out of your lowest common denominator. Just like ounces pints and gallons. Or oz and lbs. Random scales with no common meaning. Metric everything just goes by 10/100/1000. Simple.

     

    My biggest problem is as a Canadian we are "officially metric" but have only been that way for 50 years; not enough time for the old timers to kick the habit lol. Plus working construction and dealing with Americans means imperial crap everywhere. 


    I disagree...

    A foot is 12" because that is the length of an average man's foot. (Google it!)

    There is nothing random or arbitrary about imperial measurements. Each fraction size is exactly one half of the size above it.

    Working with fractions is very simple and accurate. As simple as metric if you know how. Want to know what half of 3/8 is? Keep the top number the same, and double the lower number... 3/16... Simple.
    Wanna get all the numbers the same? Also easy... Just remember that imperial uses half... 1/2 is the same as 8/16, which is the same as 4/8.

    Not that difficult... And the tape has the marks already on it.

    Metric is simple to you because it doesn't require thought. That doesn't make it more accurate. In fact, it can make it less so.

    Celsius makes no sense... Why base 0 degrees at the freezing point of water? Don't things get colder than that? Because it's easy for the masses. Doesn't make it better or more accurate. (neither does Fahrenheit, but Kelvin does)

    Imperial is based on the measurements of the human body, not a scientific length like metric. It is much more natural for man to use imperial, we just have gotten away from it because we've been told that metric is better.

    I use both on a daily basis. Not because one is better than the other, but simply because I have tools based on both that require me to think in both at the same time. I do this as a choice because the quality of the tools is at level required, not the accuracy of the measurements.

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T217A using Tapatalk

  13. Toughsystem

    in Dewalt

    Posted

    My recommendation would be use a ToughSystem organizer for batteries; slim and light. The DS450 also sounds pretty cluttered but should work. If you want to use the tray you may need to remove the circ blade each time. Honestly it sounds a bit hodge podge, I prefer more 300 and 150/130 myself for more modularity. 


    I wondered about that as well. I thought about the 300,but I didn't want it to be too tall either. Maybe time for a rethink

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T217A using Tapatalk

  14. A Message For All.....

    in Pub Talk

    Posted

    I just want to thank everyone on here, you guys have been a good distraction. Some of you already know that my little beagle passed away yesterday. He's been with me since a few months before my Dad passed away. He's been there for all the rough times and all them girls that have come and gone. He was like my child, I'm taking it rather hard. I had a lot of trouble going to sleep without him by my bed last night. You guys have been my first real distraction that make me feel a little more normal. Thanks for the love on Instagram, he was a really good dog, truly this man's best friend.


    No problem at all. Just remember, he's still there with ya... Just waiting for you to join him...
    • Like 1

  15. Dewalt 9ah

    in Dewalt

    Posted

    It's actually 65mm and 70mm but otherwise great points. ToughSystem power bank sounds cool but they'd likely rather sell you the 4 bay inverter. 


    Yeah... Autocorrect got me (stupid android)... Good catch. Edit made...

  16. Toughsystem

    in Dewalt

    Posted

    Ok,

    I'm getting really close to pulling the trigger on a Tough system setup.

    I'm thinking of starting with a ds450, the extra large one with wheels attached, a ds400, a ds150, the storage organizer, and the tough system radio.

    I plan on putting my tools from my 5 piece kit(drill, impact, recip, circ, flashlight) along with my 20v omt, and 20v jigsaw in the 450 (if they all fit).

    In the 400 I'm planning on storing other tools (hammer, bags, squares, etc.)

    In the 150 I wanna put all my batteries (2 4ah, 2 3ah, 2 1.5ah, and a 1.3ah) and a dcb101 charger. The top section of the 150 will house bits and accessories for the drills and drivers, the omt, jigsaw, pencils, pens, etc.

    The organizer will hold misc screws, nails, etc.

    My query is this: is there any thing that y'all see I'm missing out on here that you find useful or can't live without in a tough system setup?

    I do plan on eventually getting a DS cart to make things more accessible, and repurposing the 450 for other tools.

    What am I missing, if anything?

    • Like 3

  17. Dewalt 9ah

    in Dewalt

    Posted

    Haven't seen this mentioned but if anyone cares, the size of the cell is actually the part number...

    18650 is 18mm diameter x 65mm length

    20700 is 20mm x 70mm

    18650 cells are truly at their limit at 3000mah. The heat generated at high amp discharge just burns them up and shortens the life.

    20700 cells have lots of headroom at 3000mah, and are on par to hit close to 5000mah at the ceiling before its all done.

    However, with the efficiency of the tools going up so quickly, I don't necessarily think there will be a strong need for batteries above 6ah sizes. Yeah, it can be done, but the tool becomes so heavy and unweilding at that point, I don't want to have to carry and use the darn thing. Just give me a few 4ah or 5ah batteries, and a better, quicker charger (maybe a dual input voltage of 12/120 volts with a 30 minute charge time for 5ah batteries).. Or contact charging like bosch or even maybe a tough system charger powered by a massive battery pack enough to charge say 5 or 6 5ah batteries

    With a setup like that, I'd run circles around anyone with a 9ah setup.



    • Like 2

  18. New Clamps

    in Hand Tools

    Posted

     

    Awesome, yeah I have a couple jet and I'll second the jet parallel clamps are superb


    Yep. I agree as well. My Jets are my go to clamps over my Bessey's... I especially like the quick release ratchet lever on them for making a quick adjustment. They stay put when engaged, but release easily.

  21. How to read a tape measure

    in Hand Tools

    Posted

    For this particular video, maybe the key is in the title: "How to read an American tape measure."  Perhaps the people who need all this help were raised on the metric system and aren't used to thinking of measurements in terms of repeated halving.  What's half of half a centimeter?  2.5mm, but there's no mark on a metric tape for that, and they wouldn't think in those terms.

     

    I'm comfortable with either system.  I appreciate the metric system for its easy calculations and conversions, but I think the American system is more lined up with human scale measurements and the calculations that are native to the way our brains work.  You don't say to someone, "Hey, gimme 5/10 of your candy bar."  I don't have a problem measuring, say, length in metric measurements, but since nobody uses decimeters, the increments in common use are centimeters and meters, which is like giving the size of a room or the height of a person in half-inches or in yards with nothing between.  A foot is hard to divide by 5, but divides evenly by 2, 3, 4, or 6, whereas any metric increment really only divides evenly by 2 or 5.  So I think the American system has the advantage in divisibility at least.

     

     


    So, how big is "a bite"? [emoji16] [emoji16] [emoji16] [emoji16] [emoji16]

    I agree with your statement though.

    For some reason, the world outside the USA and Canada (some parts) has accepted that the metric system is much more precise (it's not) and easier (maybe if you never used fractions)....

    The metric system has only the equivalent of the 1/16" (mm) but misses out completely when you move down to a 1/32" or a 1/64"...

    I personally can't find the precision in metric for the work that I want to do or the signature I want to leave...

    When I need true precision, I will go decimal with my measurements, but a 1/64" or 1/32" is plenty accurate for most woodworking and fine furniture projects.

  22. #7 hand plane

    in Hand Tools

    Posted

    The difference between a garage sale and an estate sale...

    A garage sale is where you sell the stuff you no longer want, need, or have room for...

    An estate sale is where your family sells the stuff you cared about so much, you kept it til you died...


    • Like 1
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